A brave schoolgirl rescued her friend who was swept out to sea during a series of epileptic seizures. Twelve-year-old Tamika Hezzell is being hailed as a hero for saving her 14-year-old friend, Sofia-Ann McKenna, from the water as she experienced fits. Emergency services, including the Coastguard and ambulances, were called to the beach to assist Sofia, who was initially unresponsive and in distress due to the waves.
Tamika managed to bring Sofia to the surface and swim her back to shore. Upon reaching shallow waters, they were met by emergency responders, and a bystander administered CPR before both girls were transported to the hospital for further care. Sofia’s mother, Jade McKenna, expressed immense gratitude towards Tamika for her quick actions, stating that without Tamika’s bravery, Sofia might not have survived the incident.
The rescue took place at Pensarn Beach in Abergele, Conwy county, North Wales, during the recent heatwave. Witnesses described hearing the girls’ cries for help amidst the crowded beach as they struggled to stay afloat. Both girls ingested seawater and were subsequently taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwydden, for evaluation.
Jade recounted that the girls, along with their friend Ruby Wilkins, 12, were caught off guard by the rising tide while at the beach. The situation quickly escalated as they lost their footing and were dragged further into the water by the strong currents. Tamika’s swift actions in pulling Sofia to safety prevented a potential tragedy.
The incident drew attention to the alarming number of child drownings in England, prompting The Mirror’s ‘Save Lives for Sam’ campaign to raise awareness about water safety. The mothers of the girls expressed immense relief and gratitude for the individuals who assisted in the rescue, emphasizing the importance of vigilance around water bodies.
Following the harrowing experience, Sofia was hospitalized for suspected water inhalation, while Tamika and Ruby suffered minor injuries from the ordeal. The community rallied around the girls, highlighting the significance of water safety measures and quick responses in emergency situations.